Expression Builder Dialog Box

Item

Description

Node Names List Box

Displays a filtered list of SCADA servers that the local node is communicating with.  By default, all SCADA servers are displayed.  

Node Names Filter

Specifies the current SCADA server filter.  You can edit the filter or select one from the list.  You can also include in the filter the wildcards ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters).  

Node Names Filter Button

Use this button to update the list of nodes based on the current SCADA server filter.  

Tag Names List Box

Displays a filtered list of database blocks (tags) on the selected SCADA server.  By default, all blocks are displayed.  

Tag Names Filter

Specifies the current block name filter.  You can edit the filter or select one from the list.  You can also include in the filter the wildcards ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters).  

Tag Names Filter Button

Use this button to update the list of blocks based on the current block filter.  

Field Names List Box

Displays a filtered list of fields available from the selected block.  By default, all blocks are displayed.  

You can receive help on any field displayed in this list box by using the Block Field Reference and selecting the field's block from the list that appears.

A_* Button

Use this button to change the block field filter to display all A_ fields and selects the A_CV field, if available.  

F_* Button

Use this button to change the block field filter to display all F_ fields and selects the F_CV field, if available.  

E_* Button

Use this button to change the block field filter to display all E_ fields and selects the E_CV field, if available.  

Block Field Filter

Specifies the current block field filter.  You can edit the filter or select one from the list.  You can also include in the filter the wildcards ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters).  

Block Field Filter Button

Use this button to update the list of fields based on the current block field filter.  

Current Expression Box

Specifies the current expression.  You can enter the expression directly or build it by making selections from the other fields and buttons on the tabbed page.  

Valid Characters:  all alphanumeric characters, hyphen (-), underscore (_), exclamation point (!), less than (<), greater than (>), pound (#), percent (%), dollar sign ($), ampersand (&), forward slash (/), backslash (\), pipe (|), opening bracket ([), closing bracket (]), and single quote (').

If a single quote (') or a backslash (\) is a literal part of the addressing string syntax,  it must be preceded by a backslash (\) in order for the character to be passed to the server as part of the address.  For example, to enter a tag with the name 'TEST', you would enter the data source FIX32.THISNODE.\'TEST\'.F_CV.

Tolerance

Specifies the current connection's rounding factor. Typically, iFIX uses this value when comparing a process value to a target value. If the process value is within the specified tolerance, iFIX assumes the two values are equal. For example, if the target value is 1.0, the tolerance is 0.1, and the current value of a data source is 0.8, iFIX does not assume the two values are equal because the data source is not within the specified tolerance. The value must be within the range 0.9 to 1.1 to equal the target value. Seven digits of precision are allowed for accuracy.

Deadband

Specifies the maximum fluctuation you want for the current connection before iFIX updates it. By entering a dead band value, you create a +/- dead zone around the connection's current value. As long as the value is within this range, iFIX does not update the value. However, once the value exceeds the maximum or minimum dead band, the value is updated. Seven digits of precision are allowed for accuracy.

Refresh Rate

Specifies the rate at which iFIX updates the current connection.  iFIX updates the connection no faster than the specified speed.  For speeds less than 1 second, iFIX updates no faster than once every 50 milliseconds.  For speeds greater than 60 seconds, iFIX updates no faster than once every 60 seconds.  

Check Syntax Button

Use this button to check the syntax of your expression.  A valid expression displays the message "Syntax check successful!"  An error message appears if the syntax is invalid.

Mathematical Functions Button

Use this button to show or hide a keypad of numbers, and mathematical and Boolean operators you can use in your expressions.  

Item

Description

Objects List Box

Displays a list of the open pictures (Pictures tab) or the global objects (Globals tab) available on this node.  By expanding a picture or the user globals, you can display a filtered list of objects in the pictures or in the User Globals folder.    

Object Filter

Specifies the current filter for the selected item.  You can edit the filter or select one from the filter list.  You can also include in the filter the wildcards ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters).  

Object Filter Button

Use this button to update the item list based on the current filter.  

Properties List Box

Specifies the properties for the currently selected picture or object.  

NOTE: If you have created an object-to-object connection, such as the fill percentage of one tank to another, or created a connection to a data source, the animated properties display in boldface.

Properties Filter

Specifies the current property filter.  You can edit the filter or select one from the list.  You can also include in the filter the wildcards ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters).  

Properties Filter Button

Use this button to update the list of properties based on the current property filter.  

Current Expression Box

Specifies the current expression.  You can enter the expression directly or build it by making selections from the other fields and buttons on the tabbed page.  

Valid Characters:  all alphanumeric characters, hyphen (-), underscore (_), exclamation point (!), less than (<), greater than (>), pound (#), percent (%), dollar sign ($), ampersand (&), forward slash (/), backslash (\), pipe (|), opening bracket ([), closing bracket (]), and single quote (').

If a single quote (') or a backslash (\) is a literal part of the addressing string syntax,  it must be preceded by a backslash (\) in order for the character to be passed to the server as part of the address.  For example, to enter a tag with the name 'TEST', you would enter the data source FIX32.THISNODE.\'TEST\'.F_CV.

Tolerance

Specifies the current connection's rounding factor.  Typically, iFIX uses this value when comparing a process value to a target value.  If the process value is within the specified tolerance, iFIX assumes the two values are equal.  For example, if the target value is 1.0, the tolerance is 0.1, and the current value of a data source is 0.8, iFIX does not assume the two values are equal because the data source is not within the specified tolerance.  The value must be within the range 0.9 to 1.1 to equal the target value.  

Deadband

Specifies the maximum fluctuation you want for the current connection before iFIX updates it.  By entering a dead band value, you create a +/- dead zone around the connection's current value.  As long as the value is within this range, iFIX does not update the value.  However, once the value exceeds the maximum or minimum dead band, the value is updated.  

Refresh Rate

Specifies the rate at which iFIX updates the current connection.  iFIX updates the connection no faster than the specified speed.  For speeds less than 1 second, iFIX updates no faster than once every 50 milliseconds.  For speeds greater than 60 seconds, iFIX updates no faster than once every 60 seconds.  

Check Syntax Button

Use this button to check the syntax of your expression.  A valid expression displays the message "Syntax check successful!"  An error message appears if the syntax is invalid.

Mathematical Functions Button

Use this button to show or hide a keypad of numbers, and mathematical and Boolean operators you can use in your expressions.  

Item

Description

Data Servers Box

Displays a list of the SCADA servers collecting historical data for the local node (Historical tab) or the third-party OPC servers that support browsing (Data Servers tab).  By expanding a node, you can display a filtered list of the historical values being collected or the I/O points being monitored.  Refer to the Entering Data Source Syntax section in the Creating Pictures electronic book for additional information about using third-party OPC servers.  

Data Servers Filter

Specifies the current filter for the selected item.  You can edit the filter or select one from the filter list.  You can also include in the filter the wildcards ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters).  

Data Servers Filter Button

Use this button to update the item list based on the current filter.  

Current Expression Box

Specifies the current expression.  You can enter the expression directly or build it by making selections from the other fields and buttons on the tabbed page.  

Valid Characters: all alphanumeric characters, hyphen (-), underscore (_), exclamation point (!), less than (<), greater than (>), pound (#), percent (%), dollar sign ($), ampersand (&), forward slash (/), backslash (\), pipe (|), opening bracket ([), closing bracket (]), and single quote (').

If a single quote (') or a backslash (\) is a literal part of the addressing string syntax,  it must be preceded by a backslash (\) in order for the character to be passed to the server as part of the address.  For example, to enter a tag with the name 'TEST', you would enter the data source FIX32.THISNODE.\'TEST\'.F_CV.

Note on Tag Group Substitution and your Expression

If you use tag group substitution and the object of your substitution is an element in an OPC server address that includes double quotes surrounding its data items, it is recommended that you add single quotes surrounding the tag group symbol. For example, the following substitution for the PDS driver will fail:

'PDS.<Item Project=@PRJT@ Device="Device1" id="%R00001" dataType="VT_12" FGUSpan="0.00" EGULow="0.00"/>'

However, the modified string ("'@PRJT@'") in this example, is one that will resolve properly:

'PDS.<Item Project="'@PRJT@'" Device="Device1" id="%R00001" dataType="VT_12" FGUSpan="0.00" EGULow="0.00"/>'

Tolerance

Specifies the current connection's rounding factor.  Typically, iFIX uses this value when comparing a process value to a target value.  If the process value is within the specified tolerance, iFIX assumes the two values are equal.  For example, if the target value is 1.0, the tolerance is 0.1, and the current value of a data source is 0.8, iFIX does not assume the two values are equal because the data source is not within the specified tolerance.  The value must be within the range 0.9 to 1.1 to equal the target value.  

Deadband

Specifies the maximum fluctuation you want for the current connection before iFIX updates it.  By entering a dead band value, you create a +/- dead zone around the connection's current value.  As long as the value is within this range, iFIX does not update the value.  However, once the value exceeds the maximum or minimum dead band, the value is updated.  

Refresh Rate

Specifies the rate at which iFIX updates the current connection.  iFIX updates the connection no faster than the specified speed.  For speeds less than 1 second, iFIX updates no faster than once every 50 milliseconds.  For speeds greater than 60 seconds, iFIX updates no faster than once every 60 seconds.  

Check Syntax Button

Use this button to check the syntax of your expression.  A valid expression displays the message "Syntax check successful!"  An error message appears if the syntax is invalid.

Mathematical Functions Button

Use this button to show or hide a keypad of numbers, and mathematical and Boolean operators you can use in your expressions.  

Item

Description

Node Names List Box

Displays a filtered list of SCADA servers that the local node is communicating with.  By default, all SCADA servers are displayed.  

Node Names Filter

Specifies the current SCADA server filter.  You can edit the filter or select one from the list.  You can also include in the filter the wildcards ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters).  

Node Names Filter Button

Use this button to update the list of nodes based on the current SCADA server filter.  

Alarm Area Tag Names List Box

Displays a filtered list of alarm areas on the selected SCADA server.  Also displays the alarm counter (ALARMCOUNTERS) tag.  By default, all areas are displayed.  

Alarm Area Tag Names Filter

Specifies the current area name filter.  You can edit the filter or select one from the list.  You can also include in the filter the wildcards ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters).  

Alarm Area Tag Names Filter Button

Use this button to update the list of areas based on the current area filter.  

Alarm Counter Field Names List Box

Displays a filtered list of fields available from the selected area.  By default, all fields are displayed.  

A_* Button

Use this button to change the field filter to display all A_ fields.  

F_* Button

Use this button to change the field filter to display all F_ fields.  

Alarm Counter Field Names Filter

Specifies the current area field filter.  You can edit the filter or select one from the list.  You can also include in the filter the wildcards ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters).  

Alarm Counter Field Names Filter Button

Use this button to update the list of fields based on the current field filter.  

Current Expression Box

Specifies the current expression.  You can enter the expression directly or build it by making selections from the other fields and buttons on the tabbed page.  

Valid Characters: all alphanumeric characters, hyphen (-), underscore (_), exclamation point (!), less than (<), greater than (>), pound (#), percent (%), dollar sign ($), ampersand (&), forward slash (/), backslash (\), pipe (|), opening bracket ([), closing bracket (]), and single quote (').

If a single quote (') or a backslash (\) is a literal part of the addressing string syntax,  it must be preceded by a backslash (\) in order for the character to be passed to the server as part of the address.  For example, to enter a tag with the name 'TEST', you would enter the data source FIX32.THISNODE.\'TEST\'.F_CV.

Tolerance

Specifies the current connection's rounding factor.  Typically, iFIX uses this value when comparing a process value to a target value.  If the process value is within the specified tolerance, iFIX assumes the two values are equal.  For example, if the target value is 1.0, the tolerance is 0.1, and the current value of a data source is 0.8, iFIX does not assume the two values are equal because the data source is not within the specified tolerance.  The value must be within the range 0.9 to 1.1 to equal the target value.  

Deadband

Specifies the maximum fluctuation you want for the current connection before iFIX updates it.  By entering a dead band value, you create a +/- dead zone around the connection's current value.  As long as the value is within this range, iFIX does not update the value.  However, once the value exceeds the maximum or minimum dead band, the value is updated.  

Refresh Rate

Specifies the rate at which iFIX updates the current connection.  iFIX updates the connection no faster than the specified speed.  For speeds less than 1 second, iFIX updates no faster than once every 50 milliseconds.  For speeds greater than 60 seconds, iFIX updates no faster than once every 60 seconds.  

Check Syntax Button

Use this button to check the syntax of your expression.  A valid expression displays the message "Syntax check successful!"  An error message appears if the syntax is invalid.

Mathematical Functions Button

Use this button to show or hide a keypad of numbers, and mathematical and Boolean operators you can use in your expressions.  

Item

Description

Servers

Displays a selection list of servers.

Display Collector Name Check Box

Allows you to select whether Collector names are displayed.

Node Names List Box

Displays a filtered list of SCADA servers that the local node is communicating with. By default, all SCADA servers are displayed.  

Tag Names List Box

Displays a filtered list of database blocks (tags) on the selected SCADA server. By default, all blocks are displayed.  

Description List Box

Displays a filtered list of descriptors of  the selected SCADA server. By default, all descriptions are displayed.

Collector Names List Box

Displays a filtered list of Collector Names for the selected SCADA server. By default, all Collector Names are displayed.

Filter fields

Displays four drop-down lists that you can use filter what displays in the tag list. Any combination of four filters can be selected at one time:

• Node - Specifies the current node name for the SCADA server you want to filter on. Leave it set to All (*), or enter a node name or expression to filter by.
• Tag - Specifies the current description filter. Leave it set to All (*), or enter a tag name or expression to filter by.
• Description - Specifies the current description filter. Leave it set to All (*), or enter a tag description or expression to filter by.
• Collector Type - Specifies the current collector type filter. You can select a collector type from this list, such as: All, CalcEngine, File, iFIX, LabData, Manual, OPC, Other, ServerToServer, and Simulation. The default is All.
• Engineering Units - Specifies the engineering units filter. Leave it set to All (*), or enter a type of units or expression to filter by.
• Data Type - Specifies the current tag name filter. You select a data type from the list, such as: All, Double Float, Double Integer, Scaled, Single Float, or Single Integer.

For all fields, except Collector Type and Data Type, when building a filter expression, you can include a wildcard ? (to represent a single character) or * (to represent two or more characters) in the filter.

Apply Filter Button

Use this button to apply the selected filter to the item list.  

Reset Filter Button

Use this button to reset the item list based on the current filter.

Filtered Tag Count

Displays the number of tags found that meet filter criteria.

Maximum Count

Displays the maximum number of tags that the search can return from Proficy Historian.

Current Expression Box

Specifies the current expression.  You can enter the expression directly or build it by making selections from the other fields and buttons on the tabbed page.  

Valid Characters:  all alphanumeric characters, hyphen (-), underscore (_), exclamation point (!), less than (<), greater than (>), pound (#), percent (%), dollar sign ($), ampersand (&), forward slash (/), backslash (\), pipe (|), opening bracket ([), closing bracket (]), and single quote (').

If a single quote (') or a backslash (\) is a literal part of the addressing string syntax,  it must be preceded by a backslash (\) in order for the character to be passed to the server as part of the address.  For example, to enter a tag with the name 'TEST', you would enter the data source FIX32.THISNODE.\'TEST\'.F_CV.

Check Syntax Button

Use this button to check the syntax of your expression.  A valid expression displays the message "Syntax check successful!"  An error message appears if the syntax is invalid.